Man gets two life sentences in sexual battery case

Published: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 11:50 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, April 9, 2013 at 11:50 a.m.

OCALA – A man has been sentenced to two concurrent life sentences for molesting a young girl on at least five occasions.

Carl Starkweather, 29, was found guilty Friday by a six-member jury during a one-day trial, according to Assistant State Attorney Bryon Aven.

Starkweather was charged with capital sexual battery on a victim under 12, lewd and lascivious molestation on a victim under 12 and lewd and lascivious exhibition.

Starkweather reportedly told Marion County Sheriff's Office Detective Frank Scala that he had sexual contact with the victim on five occasions between 2008 and 2009, but denied having sexual intercourse with her, according to sheriff's arrest reports.

The girl, however, told investigators that on one occasion Starkweather came into her room wearing a condom and had sex with her, reports states.

The girl told a woman about the incidents and the woman contacted authorities.

Officials said the molestation began when the victim was 5 years of age.

<p>OCALA – A man has been sentenced to two concurrent life sentences for molesting a young girl on at least five occasions.</p><p>Carl Starkweather, 29, was found guilty Friday by a six-member jury during a one-day trial, according to Assistant State Attorney Bryon Aven.</p><p>Starkweather was charged with capital sexual battery on a victim under 12, lewd and lascivious molestation on a victim under 12 and lewd and lascivious exhibition.</p><p>Starkweather reportedly told Marion County Sheriff's Office Detective Frank Scala that he had sexual contact with the victim on five occasions between 2008 and 2009, but denied having sexual intercourse with her, according to sheriff's arrest reports.</p><p>The girl, however, told investigators that on one occasion Starkweather came into her room wearing a condom and had sex with her, reports states.</p><p>The girl told a woman about the incidents and the woman contacted authorities.</p><p>Officials said the molestation began when the victim was 5 years of age.</p><p><i>Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118 or austin.miller@starbanner.com.</i></p>